After the ride ended, Daniel stood still for a moment, watching Crystal's first body disappear into the crowd. His thoughts churned—her words echoing louder than the distant music around them.
"I know you have two bodies."
He shook his head quickly and turned back toward the center of the park. Maybe some fresh air would clear his mind.
That's when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"There you are."
Daniel turned and saw Jalen walking up calmly, hands in his pockets, his usual composed expression relaxed under the sunlight.
"We should head toward the stage," Jalen said. "The school rented out the concert area. Supposedly some band's performing."
Daniel gave a quick nod, thankful for the distraction. "Yeah, good idea."
They walked together through the crowd until the giant open-air stage came into view, ringed by speakers and glowing lights. A sea of students from different schools stood waiting, chatting, cheering, cameras out.
Moments later, the band finally appeared onstage—minus one.
The lead singer stepped up to the mic. "Sorry, everyone. Oliver couldn't make it. He got injured earlier this week."
A ripple of disappointment spread through the crowd.
But then the lights shifted. From the side of the stage, a new figure emerged—cool, confident, dressed casually yet with a presence that drew every eye.
DG.
The atmosphere changed immediately. Gasps, whispers, awe.
DG raised a mic to his lips with a relaxed smile.
"Well, we can't have a show without a voice, right?"
He let his eyes roam the crowd before stopping on one person.
"You." His voice rang out clearly.
The crowd turned in surprise as DG pointed him out.
"You look like you could sing. Why don't you give it a try?"
Daniel froze, his body stiff. "What...?"
Before he could say more, Jalen stepped forward beside him.
He didn't speak right away just stared straight at DG. Cold and direct.
His dark eyes narrowed slightly.
It wasn't just curiosity anymore. There was tension. A quiet challenge.
Daniel looked between them, sensing something deeper passing between the two.
DG, unfazed, kept smiling. But Jalen's glare didn't soften.
He was done watching from the sidelines.